Marvin OnumonuScotland’s new National Social Work Agency (NSWA) has launched on World Social Work Day, aiming to support, develop and oversee the profession across Scotland.
The agency will guide national policy, drive improvements in education and practice, and advise the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government has put forward nearly £1m to help with social work education.
The £994,000 will go through the Scottish Social Services Council, helping 64 new social workers qualify via distance learning, backing up to 100 postgraduate practice educators, and supporting up to 50 students to complete mental health officer training.
This is set to tackle workforce shortages in challenging areas.
The launch also saw the publication of ‘Valuing Practice: Scotland’s Framework for Social Work Education and Learning’, outlining a shared approach for social work education.
The NSWA will run as an executive agency of the Scottish Government.
Joanna Macdonald, national chief social work adviser, will lead the agency as chief executive (CEO).
Macdonald said: “It is a privilege to mark the launch of the National Social Work Agency on World Social Work Day – a day that recognises the unique contribution social workers make as they walk beside people in their daily lives.
“This investment in education and learning is a significant step forward in strengthening the profession.
“By widening routes into qualification, expanding practice education and supporting continuous professional learning, we are building a confident, capable workforce equipped for the challenges ahead.”
Macdonald added: “The National Social Work Agency will work in partnership with national and local government and the profession to provide strong national leadership, champion dignity and human rights, and ensure social workers have the support they need to improve outcomes for people and communities across Scotland.
“I am proud to lead this new agency as we begin this shared endeavour.”
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance, said: “Social workers are committed dedicated professionals that work tirelessly to improve the lives of adults, children and families across Scotland.
“They fulfil a crucial role in assessing need, managing risk and upholding rights as they carry out legal duties across our care and justice systems.
“As a former social worker, I recognise how challenging this work can be and I also know that demand for social work services is high.”
Constance added: “Through supporting people and families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, social workers make a real and tangible difference to people’s lives so I am delighted that the National Social Work Agency has been established to support this important profession.
“It will play a key role in supporting a skilled, sustainable and supported workforce – working to help achieve national priorities, including reducing child poverty, and give this vital profession the national recognition it deserves.”
Maree Allison, CEO of the Scottish Social Services Council, said: “I’m pleased to join the cabinet secretary and Joanna today in welcoming the National Social Work Agency and new funding for social work education and learning to support social workers’ development.
“Alongside this, publication of Valuing Practice: Scotland’s Framework for Social Work Education and Learning, which includes the SSSC’s new Standards in Social Work Education, is another important milestone for the profession.
“It provides one national framework to support professional learning for social workers from the day they start university to retirement, setting out clear standards to support social workers at all levels.”
